Thursday, June 5, 2014
As the youngest sibling of four children in our family, I was often a spectator watching their example. I listened to my sisters harmonize as they did the dishes, saw some epic fights unfold before my eyes and learned a lot from the sidelines. I was somewhat removed from the fray because I was the "baby sister." Being six years younger than Deb, she was always there to nurture me. She cheered me on through all my major life events, including my wedding photo shoot. (I had clearly ruined several of her wedding pictures, thinking I was smiling, but actually scowling.) She was so intuitive. She had a habit of showing up at the times when she was least expected, yet needed most. Like when I was in labour with my second child. The nurse whispered in my ear " if you want me to ask her to leave, just say the word." I never did ask for that. Deb gave me some much needed back rubs and proceeded to video the birth. I told her "Just don't take any images of my nether-regions." She agreed to that. You can imagine our surprise when we got home from the hospital and showed the video to my father-in-law. I'll put it this way, she had filmed everything.! Something Deb and I enjoyed doing the past few years, was golfing. She was a better golfer than I, and always had words of advice. "Use your driver!" I hated using my driver but she kept insisting that I try it. I finally gave in, expecting to duff it. Instead that ball soared down the fair way and off into the woods, sailing just inches from where Deb was squatting to pee. Words could never describe the goodness of my sister Deb. Her door was always open. We all took turns living with her at some point. She took care of so many people, nursed two friends with breast cancer, called our Mom every day, and loved with all her heart. The only positive I have to take from Deb's passing, is that I got to tell her over and over how much I loved her and hear those words from her. So never lose an opportunity to tell people you care about how special they are to you. It really is all that matters. I love you Deb
